Ruthie Landelius vividly recalls the day she closed on her initial loan with Communities Unlimited (CU) for her business Black Fig Food back in 2022. As she signed the final documents, a sense of relief washed over her, but it was the lender’s parting words that truly resonated: “Do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything else. If things get slow or you need to borrow more money, we can always help.”

At that moment, Ruthie was confident she would never need another loan, yet the reassurance of such support stood out. Unlike most banks that tend to vanish after the paperwork is done, this offer of ongoing assistance felt like a lifeline. It was a promise of partnership, a rare commitment that made all the difference as she embarked on her culinary venture.

“It gave me comfort knowing that if I ever needed more cash for my business, I could call them, and they wouldn’t turn me down or give me the runaround. That’s why I decided to call them again.”

Fast forward two years later, Landelius found herself needing a second loan from CU when her growing business outgrew the kitchen she was renting at a local church across town. The location was no longer viable, as it was in a questionable neighborhood, and she wanted her weekly clients to have a safe and convenient place to pick up their food.

Delivering to an increasing number of clients was becoming unmanageable. Ruthie discovered a much better kitchen just three blocks from her house, situated in a nice area across the street from a junior high school.

While considering a small loan for her business expansion, she unexpectedly ran into Katy Parrish from CU’s Entrepreneurship Team at Palace Coffee in Amarillo, Texas. Katy, who had previously worked with Ruthie’s business, started a conversation and asked how things were going.

Seizing the moment, Ruthie shared her situation, and Katy, accompanied by another CU staffer, swiftly took action. This chance encounter set the wheels in motion, leading Ruthie to connect with Director of Lending Michael Rivera and Area Director Debra Williams from CU. Debra began assisting her that day, leaving Ruthie deeply impressed and feeling as though the entire encounter was destined to happen.

Black Fig Food first turned to CU’s Lending Team in February 2022 for a loan. With funds from the Amarillo Area Foundation, Landelius expanded her catering services, setting the stage for significant growth.

Black Fig Food also received technical assistance from the Entrepreneurship Team, covering everything from startup planning to financial management and bookkeeping.

Additionally, on July 24, 2024, Black Fig Food successfully closed on a Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan with CU. The funding will allow Landelius to invest in a 15-quart mixer, the type that sits atop a table, to handle the increased demand for her chef services.

She will also purchase a new prep table since she couldn’t bring her old one from the previous location. Moreover, a double-door refrigerator became a necessity to store larger quantities of ingredients and prepared meals.

To streamline operations and enhance convenience for her clients, Ruthie needed various supplies, especially disposable items, enabling customers to pick up their meals without the inconvenience of returning containers. This investment was crucial for the efficient operation and ongoing growth of Black Fig Food.

Ruthie is determined not to overwork herself, despite the growing demands of her culinary business. The kitchen she rents includes a beautiful sunroom, and the church that owns the kitchen offered her the use of this space to host a small luncheon place three or four days a week.

The offer came as a pleasant surprise to Ruthie, who is still considering it. However, she is already planning to incorporate monthly concept dinners where people can come and enjoy a meal. With the prospect of hiring new staff and gaining more clients, Ruthie sees significant growth potential for Black Fig Food.

“One of my goals is to be at least one of the top two catering businesses in town,” Landelius said. “My clientele is growing so fast that I’m having to turn down jobs because it’s just me. Hiring a couple more people would help. If I keep growing, I’ll need to find a bigger place that’s my own. That’s a big goal for me. I’m hoping to reach that point someday.”

Ruthie has engaged with CU’s Entrepreneurship Team for several years. She last worked with Area Director Brian Wells about a year ago through weekly Zoom calls. Brian assisted her with bookkeeping, learning QuickBooks, and understanding how to run a business properly ­— crucial skills she lacked since she went to school for art, not business.

Recognizing her need for business help, Brian from CU helped fill that void for Black Fig Food.

“When Ruthie and I started working together, she told me she wasn’t good at numbers,” Wells said. “I don’t know if she was being modest, but she caught on quickly. Working with her on Black Fig Food’s finances was about making sure the numbers added up and the business could remain strong and grow. We tackled her books together and tracked all the dollars to make smart choices for her business.”

Ruthie found her second experience working with CU’s Lending Team to be smooth. She says the second time was a breeze, calling the process with Debra easy and stress-free.

“Debra and the others listened to me and were incredibly accommodating, something I don’t think a bank would ever do,” Landelius said.

Debra spoke highly of Ruthie, reflecting on her accomplishments and dedication to Black Fig Food.

“Ruthie is incredibly accomplished in what she does,” Williams said. “She started Black Fig, a successful business that she has worked tirelessly to grow, figuring out all the kinks along the way. Beyond her success as a business owner, she’s a community leader, mentoring other small businesses, working with EforAll (Entrepreneurship for All), and engaging with community organizations. Ruthie speaks at events and shares her journey to help other entrepreneurs. She’s highly regarded and respected in Amarillo for her dedication and impact. When she came back to us for another loan, it was a great compliment. We always take pride in returning borrowers, as it signifies a job well done on our side.”